Hudson boys lacrosse team has high hopes for 2014

Anytime you have the reigning state player of the year back in the lineup, that's always a good thing.

Throw in a number of talented players in the mix and you have a powerhouse.

Such is life for the Hudson boys lacrosse team, which finished 19-2 last year after losing an 11-10 decision to Cleveland St. Ignatius in a Division I regional title contest.

Explorers head coach David Blue, who is 245-93 during his 18 years at Hudson, has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Leading the way is senior attack Bo Lori, the 2013 Ohio Player of the Year. The All-American finished with 73 goals and 48 assists for a single-season record total of 121 points. He plans to continue playing at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

"Bo is an extremely talented player who will be one of the team's leaders on offense," Blue said. "He will be one of the best offensive players in the state and will routinely draw the opponent's best defensive player."

Lori and his teammates will get plenty of opportunities to score, thanks to the Explorers' high-energy style approach.

"We will rely on this approach early in the season as it allows our newer defense to gain experience and depth," Blue said.

Hudson also has versatile midfielders that can change the momentum of the game on both sides of the field.

"Look for this group to develop and mold into a very substantial group," Blue said.

While Lori is the team's most talented offensive player, he won't have to do all the scoring by himself.

"Michael is a very versatile attackman who can run midfield as well," Blue said. "He has a good stick and excellent size. Sam is one of the best off-ball players on the team. He is in constant movement and has the ability to find open areas to cut to.

"Gabe is a very big target on the crease. He has good hands, cuts well to space and has the ability to finish shots with accuracy and creativity.

"Joey has a strong build. He is learning to use his size to get in shooting space and drive to the cage."